Photo by PhotoRun.net
requires the speed of a sprinter, the agility of a basketball player and
the endurance of a middle distance runner. Christian Taylor is all of
these. A former soccer player, Christian took up the triple jump late in
high school, and blossomed as one of the best long jump/triple jumpers
in the US while in college.
Last summer, Christian Taylor came
into his own when he defeated Phillips Idowu, the 2009 World Champion,
on his own turf, at the AVIVA London meeting last August, just before
the World Championships.
In August 2011, Christian Taylor won
the gold medal in Daegu, Korea, with Phillips Idowu, the 2009 champ,
taking second, in a titanic battle of three top jumpers.
” I want
to bring the gold home from London, ” Christian Taylor told Li-Ning
after the Pre Classic win on June 1. ” I love competing in Eugene, it is
my favorite place to jump in the world, but first, I have to make the
Olympic team.”
On June 30, Christian Taylor had the first part of his dream come true. Responding to the 17.55m or 57-7 jump of Will Claye, Christian Taylor, also in the first round, jumped a super 17.63m, 57-10.25, in the cool, rainy conditions that prevailed in Eugene during most of the Trials.
No one responded to Christian’s massive jump, and, with a foul in round 2, and passing for the last four jumps, Christian Taylor won the Olympic Trials for the triple jump.
“We were trying to be careful in the cool, damp weather” noted Coach Rainer, ” Christian had the event won and we did not want to risk any injury.”
Christian Taylor celebrating with his mother, Stephanie Taylor, after 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials victory, Triple Jump
“It has been a dream come true. I feel great. It was so nice to have my family and friends here in Eugene with me. And the energy from the fans in Eugene is what keeps me coming back to Eugene for more competitions. It is my favorite place to jump in the world. “
Between the Olympic Trials and the London Olympics, Christian will jump in London (July 14/15) and Monaco (July 20). One of the events will be the long jump and one of the events will be the triple jump.
“We like to keep me interested, and jumping between the long jump and triple jump is good for my triple jumping. If I had a longer season, I would like to try some 400 meter races, but that is too much this season.”
Christian Taylor, 2012 Prefontaine Classic, Long JumpPhoto by PhotoRun.net
Christian Taylor, a Li-Ning ambassador in the US, is excited about his upcoming visit to London 2012. ” I am representing my country and that means a lot to me. Once you put on the team USA uniform, you are jumping for 300 million people, and I love that. “
At the Li-Ning reception for Christian, held on the night of his victory in Eugene, Oregon, Christian thanked his sponsor, Li-Ning, his family, friends and Coach Reiner, ” Coach has been more to me than a coach, he is a friend.”
A thoughtful athlete, Christian Taylor, at the age of 21, looks like the athlete who could challenge the world record of 18.29 meters, or 60 feet, 1/2 inch. ” The world record is amazing. I met Jonathan Edwards and he is very supportive of my jumping. That meant alot.”
Christian also commented on his newest Li-Ning trainers, the Liede, which, ” I use for my warm up and cool downs. They feel great and I like the unique looks.”
As you watch Christian Taylor from London, don’t forget to try Li-Ning. You can wear the shoe that CT wears, using our special discount below for RBR readers!
At the end of the day, for Christian Taylor, the journey is just beginning. At Li-Ning, we are happy to have such a talented athlete as a brand ambassador.
“I really hope Americans try Li-Ning. I love my new Li-Nings!”
~Christian Taylor
Li-Ning is a new brand in the US. They would love you to try
their shoes. With the discount button links here on this page, you can
get fifty percent off the retail price on their newest running shoes,
the Liedes. Try the biggest brand you’ve never heard of. Run in them,
and watch Christian Taylor on his journey to London to win the gold
medal in the triple jump.
